The competition will accept preliminary submissions until May 31, 2012. Preliminary submissions can be made online at http://made2012.istart.org or by going to the http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE.

Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Those who advance to final round will present their finished business plans, products, and services in one last round at the Missouri State Fair on August 16, 2012 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Cash grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners of the final round which is held during the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors, and all information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.

Registration is open to any potential business owner or current business owner in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation, and people considering going into business for the first time are welcomed. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete.

Electronic submissions for the preliminary level are due by 5 p.m. May 31, 2012. Mailed submissions must be postmarked by that date. Judging of the first round will occur the second week of June and participants will be notified of the results by June 22.

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization.

Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, 1415 S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340. Online: http://www.mvcaa.net .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with moving companies and other members of the relocation industry to combat the growing hunger problem in the United States. Many people throw out a good deal of “stuff” when they move. Unfortunately, that “stuff” often includes food that could be delivered to a family in need rather than thrown away.

In partnering with Move for Hunger, Mango Moving will provide their customers with services to donate any food items that they won’t be moving instead of disposing of them. Mango will pack and deliver the food directly to Harvesters Community Food Network or a local food bank at no cost to the customer.

“Moving can be a stressful process. The Move for Hunger program gives customers a way to simplify part of the moving and packing process while giving them an opportunity to help families in need,” said Mango Moving COO, Robert Vespa. “We’re proud to be teaming up with such a great organization and a worthy cause.”

“We are so happy to have Mango Moving join the Move For Hunger family for 2012,” said Gavin Christiansen, Director of Operations at Move For Hunger. “Their commitment to ending hunger will help provide life saving meals for the most vulnerable in the Kansas City area.”

About Move For Hunger:

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with relocation companies across the country to pick up unwanted, unopened food from those who are moving and deliver it to local food banks across the country. To date, Move For Hunger is working with over 250 movers in 40 states and has collected more than 420,000 pounds of food. For more information or to find out how you can help support Move For Hunger, visit www.MoveForHunger.org and make an online donation to help our hunger relief efforts.

About Mango Moving:

Mango Moving, LLC, is a fully licensed and insured nationwide moving company and leading provider of affordable moving services and storage solutions. Working directly with our network of experienced transportation, packing and loading professionals, Mango can coordinate every aspect of your move or just the pieces that fit your needs to provide you with the very best moving experience. Every Mango move is backed by our exclusive Best Price, On-Time Guarantee, ensuring that a Mango move will be the best move you can make. For more information, visit www.mangomoving.com .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Competition provides new and potential business owners in Missouri an opportunity to compete with other new businesses throughout the state. The competition is designed to support future Missouri businesses and communities by cultivating reliable businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating the state’s economic future.

Why participate in the MADE Competition? According to one of the winners from 2011, “You guys were very accommodating, the detail that was required for the application allowed me to solidify my thoughts and ideas of my business. Also the rounds of feedback made sure I got general, detailed and then specific advice and thoughtful consideration on the development of my business…. This competition gives you a chance for a professional to review and better your idea and then you also have the chance to take home something for yourself as well. It’s important for hopefuls that take business seriously to apply because this is like free business mentorship, rare to find.”

Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Those who advance to the final round will develop business plans and provide brief business pitches to judges in a simulated investor scenario. Finalists present their finished business plans, products, and services at the Missouri State Fair on August 16, 2012 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Grants will be awarded as startup or operating capital to winners at the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors, and all information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.

Registration is open to any potential business owner or current business owner in Missouri that has been in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation, and people considering going into business for the first time are welcomed. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete.

Application material can be accessed online at http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE with a first round submission deadline of May 31, 2012. Submissions by mail must be postmarked by May 31st, and those by email must be sent by 5:00 p.m. on May 31st.

For more information and to register, go online to http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE
or contact:
Cheryl Zimny
Community Development Manager
Missouri Valley Community Action Agency
1415 S. Odell
Marshall, MO 65340
Phone: 660-886-7476, ext. 816
Fax: 660-831-5039
Made.mvcaa@gmail.com.

About MADE:
The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a coalition of a diverse group of organizations, technical assistance professionals, university, federal and state departments, entrepreneurs and other professionals. The guiding purpose behind its creation was the integration of a coalition dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurship in Missouri by assisting entrepreneurs in creating, financing and managing their new businesses and effecting an environment which supports them. The Alliance is facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri.

This project is funded 100 percent at $15,000 with federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Missouri Senate overwhelmingly passed the Made in Missouri Jobs Package with a strong, bipartisan vote on Wednesday, September 14.

Soy Labs, LLC, the premier ingredient supplier delivering high-quality soy ingredients to leading health supplement formulators and manufacturers in the nutrition industry, and managing tenant of the Missouri Plant Science Center (MPSC), is seen for its technological and entrepreneurial thinking that is positioned to spur innovation and economic development in Missouri.

While touring the facility with Ryan Schmidt, Soy Labs president and other Soy Labs executives, Nixon discussed how MOSIRA and the Made in Missouri Jobs Package will create jobs while ensuring continued fiscal discipline and accountability with taxpayer resources.

“By embracing technology and showing the partnership between higher education, technology and entrepreneurship, it clearly will give us the capacity for the long term future,” Nixon said.

Soy Labs relocated from Fairfield, CA, last year, to be the managing tenant of the Missouri Plant Science Center, which is a joint venture of the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), the University of Missouri System and the city of Mexico, Mo.

The 25,000 square-foot Missouri Plant Science Center is a shared-use facility where researchers work alongside business and industry experts in a multi-disciplinary environment. The center facilitates the collaboration between scientific and entrepreneurial minds to turn the latest research into functional real-world applications and consumer goods.

Soy Labs recently announced a new joint research and development partnership with Missouri-based Reliv International, a direct selling company that develops, manufactures and markets nutritional products that promote optimal health and will provide greater access to the latest soy, and plant biotechnology research.

“This is a first step toward the Missouri Plant Science Center’s goal to strengthen the state’s biotechnology industry, create jobs and improve Missouri’s global economic competitiveness,” Schmidt said.

“Reliv attended the Missouri Plant Science Center last Friday, to support Gov. Nixon’s economic development efforts,” said Ryan Montgomery, Reliv’s executive vice president of worldwide sales.

“Reliv’s partnership with Soy Labs is an outgrowth of those efforts in the areas of nutritional science and technology. Our partnership will give Reliv the most advanced and effective soy ingredients on the market,” Montgomery added.

Soy Labs partnering institutions have received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council as well as other organizations.

As one of the key pillars of the Made in Missouri Jobs Package, MOSIRA would create a funding source to spark growth in research and technology enterprises by capturing a small percentage of the growth in state revenue over a base year from a designated group of Missouri science and innovation companies.

The Missouri Technology Corporation will administer the MOSIRA funds. MTC will reinvest the MOSIRA funding through loans and other means to generate further economic growth in the science and innovation industry sectors, with emphasis on biotechnology and life sciences. Funding will be reinvested in a wide range of programs designed to create jobs, nurture start-ups, and bring science and technology companies to the state.

“Here in Missouri, we must keep our economy moving forward by embracing science and technology and investing in research and development,” said Nixon.

For more information on Soy Labs, LLC visit www.SoyLabs.com and the Missouri Plant Science Center visit www.mopsc.org .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

All participants started by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas including the impact their business would have on their community and were provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. The finalists presented their finished business plans, products, and services in a trade show and presentation format for the judges at the Missouri State Fair on August 18, 2011 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Certificates and awards were given out to the winners in each of the two classes, Open and Youth. In the Open class the first place winner is Brent Woodside from Sedalia with Sketch You as a Fantasy Character. The second place winner is Richard Lillard, Jill Lillard and Deb Middleton from Jefferson City with Lifesong for Growth and Wellness. The third place winner is Kate Tary from High Point with Nanner Designs. In the Youth class Courtney Brown from Tina and Kami Nelson from Hale with Cowgirl Angelic Accessories took first place. Brandon Banks of Troy with Spot Light Stars took second place. Third place went to Rhiannon Finley, Mallory Early and other students from Leeton with Bulldog Express.

About MADE:

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is comprised of members from several state agencies and USDA Rural Development and is facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization.

This project/program is funded in whole/or part with federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division. The funds received from the Family Support Division are all federally funded.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Competition provides new and potential business owners in Missouri an opportunity to put their business ideas up against others throughout the state and grow their ventures. The competition is designed to support Missouri communities and its residents by cultivating reliable businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating the state’s economic future.

Participants started by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and were provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Finalists will present their finished business plans, products, and services at the Missouri State Fair on August 18, 2011 in Sedalia, Missouri. Mini-grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners at the State Fair. The free event is held in the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall with the show case open all day and the awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come meet the new entrepreneurs and learn about their businesses.

Finalists in the 2011 MADE in Missouri State Entrepreneurship Competition are Azure Consulting and Advocacy (Cheryl Tietjens) from Brookfield; Bulldog Express (Rhiannon Finley and others) from Leeton; Cowgirl Angelic Accessories (Courtney Brown and Kami Nelson) from Chillicothe; Lifesong for Growth & Wellness (Richard Lillard, Psy.D.; Jill Lillard, MA, LPC; and Deborah Middleton, LCSW, ACSW) from Jefferson City; Nanner Designs (Kate Tary) from High Ridge; Sketch You as a Fantasy Character (Brent Woodside) from Sedalia and Spot Light Stars (Brandon Banks) from Troy.

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization located in Marshall, MO.

This project/program is funded in whole/or part with federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division. The funds received from the Family Support Division are all federally funded.

Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, 1415 S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340; Phone: 660-886-7476.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The conference offers two and a half days of sessions focusing on best practices and aims to give attendees greater proficiency on Sage Fund Accounting, Sage Abra HRMS, and Sage FAS Nonprofit Fixed Assets.

“Both Huckstep and Associates and Ziegner Technologies are committed to helping nonprofits better serve their organizations and constituents by helping them utilize technology to the fullest,” said Jeannie Huckstep, managing member, Huckstep & Associates. “In addition to the educational sessions we’ll be offering, attendees have an opportunity to network and learn from one another.”

The conference, which will be held at the Mulberry Inn, has a dedicated website (http://highroadconference.com/) and special early bird pricing on registration is available through July 14, 2011.

About Huckstep & Associates:

Huckstep & Associates is a public accounting firm and provides pre-audit services, tax return preparation and compliance, HR and payroll services, accounting services and other consulting services to its for-profit and non-profit client entities. Huckstep & Associates serves customers in Missouri, Michigan, Colorado, Montana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and several other states. For more information about our services, please visit http://www.huckstep.com/ .

About Ziegner Technologies:

Ziegner Technologies has been helping nonprofits measure success while implementing targeted software solutions. Ziegner Technologies serves nonprofits, state and local agencies, and associations around the world. For more information about our services, please visit http://www.ztechinc.com/ .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Competition provides new and potential business owners in Missouri an opportunity to put their business ideas up against others throughout the state and grow their ventures. The competition is designed to support Missouri communities by cultivating reliable businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating the state’s economic future.

Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas. All first round participants are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better by the judges. Those who advance to the finals will develop business plans and provide brief business pitches to judges in a simulated investor scenario. Finalists will present their finished business plans, products, and services at the Missouri State Fair on August 18, 2011 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Cash grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners of the final round during the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors. All participant business information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.

Registration is open to any potential or current business owner in operation three years or less. The two categories of participation are Youth (18 and under) and Open. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete. Mail and Electronic submissions for the preliminary level are due by 5 p.m. June 30, 2011. Judging of the preliminary round will occur the first week of July and participants will be notified of the results by July 9, 2011.

For more information go online to http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE or contact Cheryl Zimny, Community Development Manager; Missouri Valley Community Action Agency; 1415 S. Odell; Marshall, MO 65340; Phone: 660-886-7476; Fax: 660-886-5868; zimnyc@mvcaa.net .

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization. This project/program is funded in whole/or part with federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division. The funds received from the Family Support Division are all federally funded.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Competition provides new and potential business owners in Missouri an opportunity to put their business ideas up against others throughout the state and grow their ventures. The competition is designed to support Missouri communities by cultivating reliable businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating the state’s economic future.

Participants start by answering a questionnaire about their business ideas, and are provided with tips and suggestions on how to make their businesses better in the first round. Those who advance to the intermediate level will develop business plans and provide brief business pitches to judges in a simulated investor scenario. Finalists at level three will present their finished business plans, products, and services in one last round at the Missouri State Fair on August 18, 2011 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Cash grants will be awarded as startup/operating capital to winners of the final round during the State Fair. Judging at all levels will take place behind closed doors, and all information is regarded as confidential and proprietary and will not be shared with outside parties.

Registration is open to any potential business owner or current business owner in operation three years or less. There are Youth and Open categories for participation, and people considering going into business for the first time are welcomed. Participants do not have to be in business yet to compete. Electronic submissions for the preliminary level are due by 5:00 p.m. April 29, 2011. Judging of the first round will occur the first week of May and participants will be notified of the results by May 13, 2011.

For more information go online to http://www.mvcaa.net/index.cfm?Page=MADE or contact
Cheryl Zimny
Community Development Manager
Missouri Valley Community Action Agency
1415 S. Odell
Marshall, MO 65340
Phone: 660-886-7476; Fax: 660-886-5868
zimnyc@mvcaa.net .

The Missouri Alliance for the Development of Entrepreneurship (MADE) is a project facilitated by Missouri Valley Community Action Agency of Marshall, Missouri, a not-for-profit organization.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“It’s a great honor to be named chair of the Not-for-Profit committee,” Terrell says. “Since joining Huckstep and Associates 12 years ago, I’ve been fortunate to work with non-profit organizations of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. The experience has given me a thorough understanding of the day-to-day financial and operational matters related to running them.”

As chair of the influential Not-for-Profit committee, Terrell and the committee will provide education for CPAs on the financial regulations and issues facing their nonprofit clients. “As CPAs, we’re keenly interested in providing value to our non-profit clients while at the same time ensuring compliance with the tax code and accounting standards,” she says. “As such, I see one of the committee’s main challenges to be communication of relevant material and findings through our annual conference and through the publishing of articles.”

Terrell obtained both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Accounting at Missouri State University. In addition to being a licensed CPA in Missouri, Terrell is certified as a consultant for such software products as Sage FAS Accounting and Sage Inventory Fixed Assets.

Terrell is the second CPA from Huckstep & Associates to be appointed to a MSCPA committee seat. Firm Managing Member Jeannie Huckstep CPA was been named to serve as chair of the Information Technology Committee for the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants, or MSCPA, for its 2010-2012 term.

About Huckstep & Associates:

Huckstep & Associates is an authorized Sage reseller for Sage MIP Fund Accounting, Sage Abra HRMS and Sage FAS as well as a public accounting firm that provides pre-audit services, tax return preparation and compliance, HR and payroll services, accounting services and other consulting services to its for-profit and non-profit client entities.

For more information about our services and annual software technology conference, please visit http://www.huckstep.com .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.